Rayland teen admits to charge in fatal wreck

March 28, 2013

STEUBENVILLE - Justin T. Faulkner, 17, of Rayland admitted Wednesday to a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter in Jefferson County Juvenile Court in connection with a Nov. 24 wreck that claimed the life of Daniel Flaherty, 67, of Smithfield.

Juvenile Judge Sam Kerr placed Faulkner on probation for a minimum of six months and ordered him to attend a driver education program.

Faulkner also was charged with driving left of center, for which Kerr fined him $250 and ordered 40 hours of community service.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported Faulkner was driving a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis around 5:32 p.m. on Nov. 24 on state Route 150, near Mount Pleasant, when it went left of center, striking Flaherty's 2001 Dodge Neon head on. A third vehicle, driven by Gary Kish, 59, of Dillonvale, which was traveling west on state Route 150 behind the Flaherty vehicle, was struck as a result of the initial impact between the other two vehicles, the patrol reported.

Flaherty was taken to East Ohio Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the patrol reported.

Daniel Flaherty Jr., the son, told Kerr the family believes Faulkner has shown no remorse for the wreck.

He said Faulkner was driving with a permit without a licensed driver but was never charged with that offense. Flaherty claims Faulkner still was driving after the wreck when he wasn't allowed.

Kerr said Faulkner's driving privileges are suspended but noted Faulkner doesn't have a license.